Havering councillor Dennis Bull died today after suffering a stroke on Monday.

A Gooshays ward Conservative councillor since 2006, the 75-year-old was also on the management committee of the Havering and Brentvvood Bereavement Service (HBBS).

Council leader Cllr Michael White said: “Dennis was a wonderful man and a very dedicated councillor.

“He was a gentleman, that’s what he was like. Even when we believed he was ill last week he came to the overview and scrutiny meeting last Thursday.

“He’s someone I’ve known for many years, our thoughts go out to his wife and family, and we’re all pretty sad about this loss.

“I think it’s not only a loss to us as a party, it’s a loss to the community of Harold Hill where he’s served for a number of years.”

Cllr Frederick Thompson (Conservative, Romford Town) said: “He was a respected colleague and he will be much missed.”

Originally representing Havering Council on the HBBS management committee, he decided to remain in place voluntarily after the authority withdrew its involvement.

Alison Bean, HBBS service director, said: “He was such a lovely gentleman, a really nice guy.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Catherine and his family, he will be much missed.”

Upminster resident Cllr Bull originally served on the council from 1990-1994, before again becoming a councillor in 2006, and being re-elected in 2010.

Tributes were also paid at the council meeting on Wednesday night.

Fellow Gooshays councillor Keith Wells said: “He was very proud to play a part in transforming the lives of the residents in Harold Hill. I have lost my Conservative colleague and friend.”

Cllr Roger Ramsey (Conservative, Emerson Park) added: “Having worked with Dennis as a colleague and friend for 30 years, I would like to pay my own personal tribute. He was a gentleman – kind and thoughtful on all occasions. As a councillor he was committed to his work.

“He has done sterling work. He was chairman of the Hornchurch Conservative Association for a number of years. We all looked up to him.”

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